fare in 30 Seconds

  • Fare means danger or risk.
  • Used for potential harm.
  • Common in warnings.
  • Can be physical or abstract.
In Norwegian, the word 'fare' as a noun directly translates to 'danger' or 'risk' in English. It refers to a situation or condition that has the potential to cause harm, injury, or loss. This can be a physical danger, like the risk of falling or encountering wild animals, or a more abstract risk, such as financial or emotional peril. Norwegians use 'fare' in a wide variety of contexts, from everyday warnings to more serious discussions about safety and potential threats. It's a fundamental word for expressing caution and awareness of potential negative outcomes. For instance, when discussing natural environments, one might mention the 'fare' of avalanches in the mountains or the 'fare' of strong currents when swimming in the sea. In urban settings, 'fare' can refer to the risks associated with traffic or the potential for crime. It's also used metaphorically. For example, a company might be in 'fare' of bankruptcy, or a relationship might be in 'fare' of ending. The word encapsulates the concept of something being precarious or uncertain, where negative consequences are a possibility. Understanding 'fare' is crucial for comprehending warnings, safety instructions, and discussions about potential hazards in both personal and public life. It’s a word that prompts vigilance and careful consideration of one's surroundings and decisions. The Norwegian language, much like its environment, often necessitates an awareness of potential challenges, making 'fare' a frequently encountered and important term.
Situational Examples
You might see signs warning of 'fare' near construction sites, steep cliffs, or bodies of water. News reports often discuss the 'fare' of natural disasters like floods or forest fires. In personal conversations, someone might express concern about the 'fare' of a particular investment or the 'fare' of letting children play unsupervised in certain areas.
Abstract Risks
Beyond physical threats, 'fare' can describe the risk of failure, the danger of making a wrong decision, or the peril of being misled. It's a versatile word that covers a spectrum from immediate physical threats to long-term strategic risks.

Vær forsiktig, det er stor fare for å falle her.

Denne investeringen innebærer en betydelig fare.

Using 'fare' correctly involves understanding its context and the degree of risk being communicated. It's often used with prepositions like 'for' (for) to specify what the danger is related to. For example, 'fare for liv' means 'danger to life'. When describing a situation with potential negative outcomes, 'fare' is a direct and effective choice. It can be used in imperative sentences to warn someone, or in declarative sentences to state a fact about a risk. Consider the sentence structure: 'Det er en [grad av fare] for [noe]'. This translates to 'There is a [degree of danger] for [something]'. The 'grad av fare' can be 'stor' (great), 'liten' (small), 'betydelig' (significant), 'reell' (real), or 'ingen' (no). The 'noe' part specifies what is at risk. For instance, 'Det er stor fare for flom i morgen' translates to 'There is a great danger of flood tomorrow'. In more formal writing, you might encounter phrases like 'å vurdere fare' (to assess the risk) or 'å minimere fare' (to minimize the danger). When talking about personal safety, 'fare' is ubiquitous. 'Jeg føler ingen fare her' means 'I feel no danger here'. Conversely, 'Jeg føler en viss fare' means 'I feel a certain danger'. When discussing abstract concepts, the phrasing might change slightly. For example, 'Å ta sjanser kan innebære fare' means 'Taking chances can involve risk'. The word can also be used in a more passive sense, as in 'Denne situasjonen er ikke uten fare', meaning 'This situation is not without danger'. Learning to integrate 'fare' into your Norwegian sentences will significantly enhance your ability to express caution, warnings, and an awareness of potential problems. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in different contexts, as this will provide the best guidance.
Common Sentence Structures
1. Det er fare for [negativ hendelse]. (There is danger of [negative event].)
2. Han/Hun/De er i fare. (He/She/They are in danger.)
3. Unngå fare. (Avoid danger.)
4. Vær oppmerksom på faren. (Be aware of the danger.)
Examples with Varying Degrees
- Ingen fare, det går bra. (No danger, it will be fine.)
- Det er liten fare for at det skjer. (There is little danger of it happening.)
- Vi må ta faren på alvor. (We must take the danger seriously.)

Barn skal ikke leke i nærheten av veien på grunn av fare for trafikk.

Det er en konstant fare for at systemet kan krasje.

You'll encounter the word 'fare' in a multitude of everyday situations and media in Norway. Public service announcements are a prime example. Road signs frequently warn of 'fare', such as 'fare for ras' (danger of landslide) or 'fare for is' (danger of ice). Safety briefings before activities like boat trips, hiking, or skiing will often mention potential 'fare'. In news broadcasts and articles, 'fare' is used to describe risks associated with weather events, accidents, or even societal issues. For instance, a report might discuss the 'fare' of misinformation spreading online or the 'fare' of economic instability. On television, particularly in crime dramas or documentaries, characters might be described as being in 'fare' or a situation might be presented as posing a significant 'fare'. In casual conversations, Norwegians might use 'fare' to describe less severe risks, often with a touch of humor or understatement. For example, after a near-miss, someone might say, 'Det var nære på en fare der!' (That was close to a danger there!). Parents will use it when talking to children about safety, like 'Det er fare for å falle hvis du løper inne' (There is danger of falling if you run inside). Even in literature and poetry, 'fare' can be used to evoke a sense of peril or foreboding. The word is a staple in safety manuals, emergency preparedness guides, and anything related to risk assessment in professional settings. It's a word that signifies caution and the need for awareness, making it a constant presence in Norwegian communication, especially when safety is a concern.
Media and Public Announcements
News reports on natural disasters, traffic accidents, or health advisories will frequently use 'fare'. Public safety campaigns, especially around holidays or specific seasons (like winter driving conditions), often highlight potential dangers.
Outdoor and Recreational Contexts
When engaging in activities like hiking, skiing, boating, or even swimming, Norwegians are accustomed to hearing and using 'fare' to describe potential hazards like weather, terrain, or water conditions.

Advarsel: Fare for skred!

Journalisten rapporterte om den økende fare for arbeidsledighet.

Learners of Norwegian might make a few common mistakes when using the word 'fare'. One primary error is overusing it for minor inconveniences or situations that aren't truly dangerous. 'Fare' implies a significant risk of harm. Using it for everyday annoyances can dilute its meaning. For example, saying 'Det er fare for at jeg glemmer nøklene mine' (There is danger that I will forget my keys) is an exaggeration; 'risiko' (risk) or simply stating the possibility might be more appropriate. Another mistake is confusing 'fare' with its verb form, 'å fare', which means 'to travel' or 'to go'. While they share a root, their meanings are distinct. For example, saying 'Han er i fare' (He is in danger) is correct, but saying 'Han fare til butikken' (He travels to the store) is incorrect if you intend to use the noun 'fare'. The verb form would be 'Han drar til butikken' or 'Han farer til butikken' (though 'farer' as a verb is less common for simple travel nowadays). Learners might also struggle with the correct prepositions. While 'fare for' is common, other constructions exist. For instance, 'å utsette seg for fare' means 'to expose oneself to danger'. Incorrectly using prepositions could lead to awkward or nonsensical sentences. Another point of confusion can be the difference between 'fare' and 'risiko'. While often interchangeable, 'fare' tends to emphasize the potential for physical harm or immediate peril, whereas 'risiko' can be broader, encompassing financial or strategic risks. For instance, 'investeringsrisiko' (investment risk) is more common than 'investeringsfare'. Finally, some learners might forget that 'fare' is a noun and try to use it as an adjective or adverb without proper grammatical transformation, which is incorrect. It's important to remember that 'fare' is a standalone noun signifying danger or risk.
Overuse for Minor Issues
Using 'fare' for trivial matters. For example, saying 'Det er fare for at det regner litt' (There is danger that it will rain a little) is incorrect. Better to say 'Det er mulig at det regner litt' (It's possible that it will rain a little).
Confusing with the Verb 'å fare'
Mistaking the noun 'fare' (danger) for the verb 'å fare' (to travel). For instance, 'Han er i fare' (He is in danger) is correct, but 'Han fare hjem' (He travels home) is grammatically incorrect for the verb form.

Incorrect: Det er fare at jeg blir forsinket. (Meaning: There is danger that I will be delayed.)
Correct: Det er risiko for at jeg blir forsinket.

Incorrect: Jeg føler mye fare i dag. (If referring to a general feeling of unease/risk, but not specific danger.)
Correct: Jeg føler meg litt urolig i dag. (I feel a bit uneasy today.)

While 'fare' is a direct translation of 'danger' or 'risk of harm', Norwegian offers several other words that convey similar or related meanings, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is 'risiko'. Both 'fare' and 'risiko' can mean 'risk', but 'risiko' often implies a more calculated or abstract risk, such as financial risk, career risk, or the risk associated with a scientific experiment. 'Fare' typically points to a more immediate, physical, or palpable danger. For example, 'investeringsrisiko' (investment risk) is more common than 'investeringsfare', while 'fare for å falle' (danger of falling) is more natural than 'risiko for å falle'. Another related term is 'trussel' (threat), which refers to something that poses a danger or harm. A 'trussel' is often an external force or entity that actively seeks to cause harm, whereas 'fare' is more about the inherent risk in a situation. For example, a cyberattack could be a 'trussel' against a company, and the consequences of that attack could involve 'fare' for data loss. 'Utrygghet' means 'insecurity' or 'unsafety'. It describes a state of not feeling safe, which can be a consequence of perceived 'fare'. If there is a lot of 'fare' in an area, people might feel 'utrygghet'. 'Peril' is a less common word, but it can be used in more formal or literary contexts to mean extreme danger. 'Nød' means 'distress' or 'emergency', which is often a situation arising from 'fare'. In informal speech, Norwegians might use phrases like 'ikke noe problem' (no problem) or 'det går bra' (it will be fine) to downplay or dismiss potential 'fare'. Conversely, to emphasize a lack of danger, one might say 'ingen fare' (no danger/no problem). The choice between these words depends heavily on the context and the specific type of risk or danger being discussed. Understanding these distinctions will allow for more precise and nuanced communication in Norwegian.
'Fare' vs. 'Risiko'
'Fare' often emphasizes immediate, physical peril. 'Risiko' is broader, covering calculated or abstract risks like financial or strategic ones. Example: 'Det er stor fare for å drukne.' (There is great danger of drowning.) vs. 'Vi må vurdere risikoen ved denne investeringen.' (We must consider the risk of this investment.)
'Fare' vs. 'Trussel'
'Fare' is the state of risk. 'Trussel' is the source or agent of danger. Example: 'Etterforskningen avdekket en trussel mot nasjonal sikkerhet, som medførte betydelig fare.' (The investigation uncovered a threat to national security, which entailed significant danger.)
Informal Dismissal
To downplay potential danger, Norwegians often use 'ingen fare' which can mean 'no danger' or, more commonly, 'no problem'. Example: 'Kan jeg låne boka di?' 'Ja, selvfølgelig, ingen fare!' (Can I borrow your book? Yes, of course, no problem!).

This situation presents a fare for physical injury.

The company faces significant risiko in the new market.

Fun Fact

The verb 'å fare' in Norwegian still exists and means 'to travel' or 'to go', particularly in older texts or specific contexts. This dual usage, where a word related to danger also means to travel, highlights the inherent risks associated with journeys throughout history. The noun 'fare' has retained the meaning of peril.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfɑːrə/
US /ˈfɑːrə/
The stress is on the first syllable: FA-re.
Rhymes With
bare rare vare klare spare fare (verb) skare par
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'a' like the 'a' in 'cat'.
  • Not rolling or tapping the 'r' sound.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly.

Examples by Level

1

Se opp for bilen!

Watch out for the car!

2

Ikke rør komfyren, den er varm.

Don't touch the stove, it's hot.

3

Vannet er dypt her.

The water is deep here.

4

Vær forsiktig med kniven.

Be careful with the knife.

5

Det er glatt på isen.

It's slippery on the ice.

6

Ikke løp inne.

Don't run inside.

7

Pass på katten!

Watch out for the cat!

8

Døren er tung.

The door is heavy.

1

Det er fare for at det kan begynne å regne.

There is a risk that it might start to rain.

'Fare for' is a common construction indicating the object of the risk.

2

Du må ikke gå alene i mørket.

You must not go alone in the dark.

Implies a danger associated with darkness.

3

Denne stien er bratt og kan være farlig.

This path is steep and can be dangerous.

'Farlig' is the adjective form of 'fare'.

4

Vi må være forsiktige med tanke på været.

We must be careful considering the weather.

The weather itself poses a danger.

5

Det er fare for ras i fjellet i dag.

There is a risk of avalanches in the mountain today.

Specific type of danger in a natural environment.

6

Han er i fare hvis han ikke kommer seg ut.

He is in danger if he doesn't get out.

'I fare' means 'in danger'.

7

Vær oppmerksom på at det er mye trafikk.

Be aware that there is a lot of traffic.

Traffic presents a danger.

8

Denne maten ser ikke bra ut, det kan være fare for magen.

This food doesn't look good, there might be a risk to the stomach.

Implies a health risk.

1

Det er stor fare for at prosjektet ikke blir ferdig i tide.

There is a great danger that the project will not be finished on time.

'Stor fare' emphasizes a high degree of risk.

2

Å sykle i rushtiden innebærer en betydelig fare.

Cycling during rush hour involves a significant danger.

'Betydelig fare' indicates a serious risk.

3

Myndighetene advarer mot faren for smittespredning.

The authorities warn against the danger of infection spread.

Used in contexts of public health warnings.

4

Han følte ingen fare da han gikk alene hjem.

He felt no danger when he walked home alone.

'Ingen fare' means 'no danger'.

5

Vi må ta faren for cyberangrep på alvor.

We must take the danger of cyberattacks seriously.

Applies to digital security risks.

6

Det er en reell fare for at selskapet går konkurs.

There is a real danger that the company will go bankrupt.

'Reell fare' means 'real danger'.

7

Unngå å bade i dette området på grunn av sterke strømmer.

Avoid swimming in this area due to strong currents.

The strong currents represent a 'fare'.

8

De var klar over faren, men valgte å fortsette.

They were aware of the danger, but chose to continue.

Highlights awareness of potential harm.

1

Mangelen på sikkerhetsrutiner utgjør en alvorlig fare for de ansatte.

The lack of safety procedures constitutes a serious danger to the employees.

'Utgjør en fare' means 'constitutes a danger'.

2

Klimaendringene øker faren for ekstremvær.

Climate change increases the danger of extreme weather.

Connects environmental issues with potential dangers.

3

Det har vært en økning i faren for hyttebranner om vinteren.

There has been an increase in the danger of cabin fires in winter.

Specific context for a type of danger.

4

Risikoen for økonomisk ustabilitet er en konstant fare for utviklingsland.

The risk of economic instability is a constant danger for developing countries.

Combines 'risiko' and 'fare' to describe complex issues.

5

Vi må vurdere alle potensielle farer før vi tar en beslutning.

We must consider all potential dangers before making a decision.

'Potensielle farer' refers to potential risks.

6

Samfunnet står overfor en voksende fare fra desinformasjon på nett.

Society faces a growing danger from disinformation online.

Addresses modern societal dangers.

7

Det er ingen fare for at vi vil gi opp kampen.

There is no danger that we will give up the fight.

Used to express strong resolve against a perceived threat.

8

De ignorerte advarslene og utsatte seg for unødvendig fare.

They ignored the warnings and exposed themselves to unnecessary danger.

'Utsatte seg for fare' means 'exposed themselves to danger'.

1

Den geopolitiske situasjonen skaper en latent fare for regional konflikt.

The geopolitical situation creates a latent danger of regional conflict.

'Latent fare' implies a hidden or potential danger.

2

Overdreven bruk av sosiale medier kan utgjøre en fare for mental helse.

Excessive use of social media can pose a danger to mental health.

Connects social phenomena with psychological risks.

3

Regjeringen har iverksatt tiltak for å redusere faren for terrorangrep.

The government has implemented measures to reduce the danger of terrorist attacks.

'Redusere faren' means 'reduce the danger'.

4

Den teknologiske utviklingen medfører nye og uforutsette farer.

Technological development entails new and unforeseen dangers.

'Medfører farer' means 'entails dangers'.

5

Å ignorere vitenskapelig konsensus om klimaendringer utgjør en eksistensiell fare for menneskeheten.

Ignoring scientific consensus on climate change constitutes an existential danger to humanity.

Elevated language for a critical issue.

6

Debatten dreide seg om faren for at kunstig intelligens kan overta menneskelig kontroll.

The debate revolved around the danger that artificial intelligence could usurp human control.

Discusses future technological risks.

7

Det er ingen fare for at dette vil skje igjen hvis vi følger protokollen.

There is no danger that this will happen again if we follow the protocol.

Used in formal contexts to guarantee safety under specific conditions.

8

Han ble advart mot den skjulte faren ved å stole på slike kilder.

He was warned against the hidden danger of trusting such sources.

'Skjult fare' refers to a concealed risk.

1

Den subtile erosjonen av demokratiske institusjoner utgjør en snikende fare for samfunnsstabiliteten.

The subtle erosion of democratic institutions constitutes a creeping danger to societal stability.

'Snikende fare' describes a danger that develops gradually and unnoticed.

2

Faren for kognitiv dissonans kan hindre rasjonell beslutningstaking i krisetider.

The danger of cognitive dissonance can impede rational decision-making in times of crisis.

Analyzes psychological dangers in complex situations.

3

Det er en overhengende fare for at interne stridigheter kan destabilisere hele organisasjonen.

There is an imminent danger that internal conflicts could destabilize the entire organization.

'Overhengende fare' signifies an immediate and likely danger.

4

Den økende polariseringen i samfunnet representerer en fundamental fare for den sosiale veven.

The increasing polarization in society represents a fundamental danger to the social fabric.

Describes abstract societal dangers with strong vocabulary.

5

Man må være på vakt mot den insidious faren ved propaganda som sniker seg inn i mediene.

One must be on guard against the insidious danger of propaganda creeping into the media.

'Insidious fare' highlights a dangerous quality that is subtle and harmful.

6

Den manglende reguleringen av finansmarkedene skaper en systemisk fare som kan utløse en global krise.

The lack of regulation of financial markets creates a systemic danger that could trigger a global crisis.

Explains large-scale, interconnected dangers.

7

Det er ingen fare for at diplomatiske samtaler vil bryte sammen, gitt partenes vilje til kompromiss.

There is no danger that diplomatic talks will break down, given the parties' willingness to compromise.

Used in high-level discourse to express confidence against potential failure.

8

Den uhemmede utnyttelsen av naturressurser utgjør en langsiktig fare for planetens økosystemer.

The unchecked exploitation of natural resources poses a long-term danger to the planet's ecosystems.

Addresses environmental dangers with a long-term perspective.

Common Collocations

stor fare
liten fare
betydelig fare
reell fare
ingen fare
fare for liv
fare for smitte
fare for ras
vurdere fare
unngå fare

Common Phrases

ingen fare

— This phrase literally means 'no danger', but it is very commonly used informally to mean 'no problem', 'it's alright', or 'don't worry'.

Takk for hjelpen! - Ingen <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>fare</mark>!

i fare

— To be in danger or at risk.

Etter ulykken var barnet i stor <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>fare</mark>.

fare for

— Danger of or risk of. This is a very common construction used to specify what the danger relates to.

Det er <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>fare for</mark> jordskjelv i denne regionen.

være en fare for

— To be a danger to something or someone.

Uforsiktig kjøring kan <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>være en fare for</mark> fotgjengere.

utsatt for fare

— Exposed to danger.

Soldatene var <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>utsatt for fare</mark> hver dag.

unngå fare

— To avoid danger.

Det er best å <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>unngå fare</mark> ved å følge instruksjonene.

minimere faren

— To minimize the danger or risk.

Vi må ta grep for å <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>minimere faren</mark> for ulykker.

ta faren på alvor

— To take the danger seriously.

Myndighetene må <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ta faren</mark> med klimaendringer <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>på alvor</mark>.

en viss fare

— A certain danger or risk.

Det er <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>en viss fare</mark> for at prosjektet blir forsinket.

faren ved

— The danger of or the risk associated with something.

Vi må forstå <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>faren ved</mark> å ignorere advarslene.

Idioms & Expressions

"ingen fare"

— While literally 'no danger', this is a very common idiom meaning 'no problem', 'it's okay', 'don't worry about it'. It's used to reassure someone.

Beklager at jeg er sen. - Ingen fare, vi har akkurat begynt!

Informal
"gå fare"

— This is an older or more literary idiom that can mean to be in danger or to face peril. It's less common in modern everyday speech.

Den gamle sjømannen hadde sett mange farer .

Literary/Archaic
"å sette seg i fare"

— To put oneself in danger.

Han visste at han satte seg i fare ved å konfrontere dem.

Neutral
"å være i farens sted"

— To be in someone else's shoes, to imagine oneself in their dangerous situation. This is a less common phrasing.

Hvis du var i farens sted, hva ville du gjort?

Less common
"fare for livet"

— Danger to life; life-threatening danger.

Etter krasjet var det fare for livet for sjåføren.

Neutral/Serious
"en skjult fare"

— A hidden danger or a concealed risk.

Denne tilsynelatende enkle oppgaven hadde en skjult fare.

Neutral
"fare for stupet"

— On the brink of disaster or ruin; facing extreme danger.

Selskapet var på fare for stupet før den nye ledelsen tok over.

Figurative
"å se fare"

— To perceive or recognize danger. Similar to 'å se en fare'.

Hun begynte å se fare i hans intense blikk.

Literary/Figurative
"uten fare"

— Without danger; safe.

Reisen var lang, men den gikk uten fare.

Neutral
"fare for ruin"

— Danger of ruin or financial collapse.

De små butikkene sto i fare for ruin på grunn av konkurransen.

Figurative

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'furry' bear. A furry bear can be dangerous, so 'furry bear' sounds like 'fare'. This helps remember that 'fare' means danger.

Visual Association

Picture a red stop sign with a skull and crossbones symbol on it. The sign is a universal symbol of danger, and the color red emphasizes urgency. This visual directly links to the meaning of 'fare'.

Word Web

Danger Risk Peril Hazard Threat Caution Warning Safety

Challenge

Try to use 'fare' in three different sentences describing potential dangers you might encounter in your daily life or in nature. For example, 'There is a danger of falling on the icy steps.' or 'The danger of getting lost in the forest is high if you don't have a map.'

Word Origin

The Norwegian word 'fare' (noun) originates from Old Norse 'far', meaning 'danger, peril, damage'. This word is related to the verb 'fara' which meant 'to go, to travel, to fare'. The connection between traveling and danger is common in many languages, as journeys often involve risks.

Original meaning: Danger, peril, damage.

Germanic languages, Indo-European.

Cultural Context

The word 'fare' itself is neutral, but its context determines sensitivity. Discussing immediate physical dangers or life-threatening situations requires a serious and sensitive tone. However, it can also be used in more casual contexts, especially in the idiom 'ingen fare'.

In English-speaking cultures, words like 'danger', 'risk', 'hazard', and 'peril' are used. The Norwegian 'fare' broadly covers these, with 'risiko' often aligning more with 'risk' in a calculated sense.

Norwegian road safety campaigns often feature warnings like 'Fare for ras' (Danger of landslide) or 'Fare for is' (Danger of ice). In Norwegian literature and film, characters often face 'fare' during adventures or in dramatic situations. Discussions about environmental protection in Norway frequently involve the 'fare' posed by pollution or climate change.
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!